18 Bible Verses About Calling Someone an Idiot

The 18 most-voted scriptures about Calling Someone an Idiot, from 9 books (Proverbs, Matthew, James and 6 more), ranked by the OpenBible.info community.

Updated November 3, 2026How this page is checked

Matthew 5:22

BSB

But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.

Overview

Words of Jesus on anger and insults open the verses that readers of OpenBible linked to calling someone an idiot; the others are from Proverbs, Job, the Psalms and the letters. They are shown in five groups, described below.

Jesus on anger, insults and what comes out of the mouth

Matthew 5:22

BSB

KJV

WEB

BSB KJV WEB

BSB

But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.

KJV

But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

WEB

But I tell you that everyone who is angry with his brother without a cause will be in danger of the judgment. Whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ will be in danger of the council. Whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of Gehenna.

Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, speaking to His disciples and the crowds; this entry is verse 22 on its own.

Context (BSB)

Matthew 5:21

You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder’ and ‘Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’

Matthew 5:23

So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you,

Interlinear (Strong’s)

ἐγὼ

G1473

egō

G:P-1

I/we

δὲ

G1161

G:CONJ

then

λέγω

G3004G

legō

G:V

to say

ὑμῖν

G4771

humin

G:P-2

you

ὅτι

G3754G

hoti

G:CONJ

that/since: that

πᾶς

G3956

pas

G:A

all

ὁ

G3588

G:T

the/this/who

ὀργιζόμενος

G3710

orgizomenos

G:V

to anger

τῷ

G3588

tō

G:T

the/this/who

ἀδελφῷ

G0080

adelphō

G:N-M

brother

αὐτοῦ

G0846

autou

G:P

it/s/he

εἰκῆ

G1500

eikē

G:ADV

in vain

ἔνοχος

G1777

enochos

G:A

liable for

ἔσται

G1510

estai

G:V

to be

τῇ

G3588

tēa

G:T

the/this/who

κρίσει·

G2920

krisei

G:N-F

judgment

ὃς

G3739

hos

G:R

which

δ᾽

G1161

d᾽

G:CONJ

then

ἂν

G0302

G:COND

εἴπῃ

G2036

eipē

G:V

to say

τῷ

G3588

tō

G:T

the/this/who

ἀδελφῷ

G0080

adelphō

G:N-M

brother

αὐτοῦ·

G0846

autou

G:P

it/s/he

ῥακά,

G4469

rhaka

A:N

fool

ἔνοχος

G1777

enochos

G:A

liable for

ἔσται

G1510

estai

G:V

to be

τῷ

G3588

tō

G:T

the/this/who

συνεδρίῳ·

G4892

sunedriō

G:N-N

council

ὃς

G3739

hos

G:R

which

δ᾽

G1161

d᾽

G:CONJ

then

ἂν

G0302

G:COND

εἴπῃ·

G2036

eipē

G:V

to say

μωρέ,

G3474

mōre

G:A

foolish

ἔνοχος

G1777

enochos

G:A

liable for

ἔσται

G1510

estai

G:V

to be

εἰς

G1519

eis

G:PREP

toward

τὴν

G3588

tēn

G:T

the/this/who

γέενναν

G1067

geennan

N:N--T

hell: Gehenna

τοῦ

G3588

tou

G:T

the/this/who

πυρός.¶

G4442

puros

G:N-N

fire

Matthew 5:21–22

BSB

KJV

WEB

BSB KJV WEB

BSB

21You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder’ and ‘Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.

KJV

21Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: 22But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

WEB

21“You have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, ‘You shall not murder;’ and ‘Whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ 22But I tell you that everyone who is angry with his brother without a cause will be in danger of the judgment. Whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ will be in danger of the council. Whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of Gehenna.

Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, speaking to His disciples and the crowds; this entry joins verses 21 and 22.

Context (BSB)

Matthew 5:20

For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:23

So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you,

Interlinear (Strong’s)

Matthew 5:21

Ἠκούσατε

G0191

Ēkousate

G:V

to hear

ὅτι

G3754G

hoti

G:CONJ

that/since: that

ἐρρέθη

G2046

errethē

G:V

to say

τοῖς

G3588

tois

G:T

the/this/who

ἀρχαίοις·

G0744

archaiois

G:A

ancient

οὐ

G3756

G:PRT-N

φονεύσεις·

G5407

phoneuseis

G:V

to murder

ὃς

G3739

hos

G:R

which

δ᾽

G1161

d᾽

G:CONJ

then

ἂν

G0302

G:COND

φονεύσῃ,

G5407

phoneusē

G:V

to murder

ἔνοχος

G1777

enochos

G:A

liable for

ἔσται

G1510

estai

G:V

to be

τῇ

G3588

tēa

G:T

the/this/who

κρίσει·

G2920

krisei

G:N-F

judgment

Matthew 5:22

ἐγὼ

G1473

egō

G:P-1

I/we

δὲ

G1161

G:CONJ

then

λέγω

G3004G

legō

G:V

to say

ὑμῖν

G4771

humin

G:P-2

you

ὅτι

G3754G

hoti

G:CONJ

that/since: that

πᾶς

G3956

pas

G:A

all

ὁ

G3588

G:T

the/this/who

ὀργιζόμενος

G3710

orgizomenos

G:V

to anger

τῷ

G3588

tō

G:T

the/this/who

ἀδελφῷ

G0080

adelphō

G:N-M

brother

αὐτοῦ

G0846

autou

G:P

it/s/he

εἰκῆ

G1500

eikē

G:ADV

in vain

ἔνοχος

G1777

enochos

G:A

liable for

ἔσται

G1510

estai

G:V

to be

τῇ

G3588

tēa

G:T

the/this/who

κρίσει·

G2920

krisei

G:N-F

judgment

ὃς

G3739

hos

G:R

which

δ᾽

G1161

d᾽

G:CONJ

then

ἂν

G0302

G:COND

εἴπῃ

G2036

eipē

G:V

to say

τῷ

G3588

tō

G:T

the/this/who

ἀδελφῷ

G0080

adelphō

G:N-M

brother

αὐτοῦ·

G0846

autou

G:P

it/s/he

ῥακά,

G4469

rhaka

A:N

fool

ἔνοχος

G1777

enochos

G:A

liable for

ἔσται

G1510

estai

G:V

to be

τῷ

G3588

tō

G:T

the/this/who

συνεδρίῳ·

G4892

sunedriō

G:N-N

council

ὃς

G3739

hos

G:R

which

δ᾽

G1161

d᾽

G:CONJ

then

ἂν

G0302

G:COND

εἴπῃ·

G2036

eipē

G:V

to say

μωρέ,

G3474

mōre

G:A

foolish

ἔνοχος

G1777

enochos

G:A

liable for

ἔσται

G1510

estai

G:V

to be

εἰς

G1519

eis

G:PREP

toward

τὴν

G3588

tēn

G:T

the/this/who

γέενναν

G1067

geennan

N:N--T

hell: Gehenna

τοῦ

G3588

tou

G:T

the/this/who

πυρός.¶

G4442

puros

G:N-N

fire

Matthew 15:18

BSB

KJV

WEB

BSB KJV WEB

BSB

But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these things defile a man.

KJV

But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.

WEB

But the things which proceed out of the mouth come out of the heart, and they defile the man.

Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew, answering Peter, who has asked Him to explain a parable about what defiles a man.

Context (BSB)

Matthew 15:17

“Do you not yet realize that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then is eliminated?

Matthew 15:19

For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander.

Interlinear (Strong’s)

τὰ

G3588

G:T

the/this/who

δὲ

G1161

G:CONJ

then

ἐκπορευόμενα

G1607

ekporeuomena

G:V

to depart

ἐκ

G1537

G:PREP

out from

τοῦ

G3588

tou

G:T

the/this/who

στόματος

G4750

stomatos

G:N-N

mouth

ἐκ

G1537

G:PREP

out from

τῆς

G3588

tēs

G:T

the/this/who

καρδίας

G2588

kardias

G:N-F

heart

ἐξέρχεται,

G1831

exerchetai

G:V

to go out

κἀκεῖνα

G2532

kakeina

G:CONJ

and

κοινοῖ

G2840

koinoi

G:V

to profane

τὸν

G3588

ton

G:T

the/this/who

ἄνθρωπον.

G0444

anthrōpon

G:N-M

a human

Contempt, rash words, a gentle answer and the power of the tongue

Proverbs 11:12

BSB

KJV

WEB

BSB KJV WEB

BSB

Whoever shows contempt for his neighbor lacks judgment, but a man of understanding remains silent.

KJV

He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.

WEB

One who despises his neighbor is void of wisdom, but a man of understanding holds his peace.

From Proverbs, in the collection that the book calls the proverbs of Solomon.

Context (BSB)

Proverbs 11:11

By the blessing of the upright a city is built up, but by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down.

Proverbs 11:13

A gossip reveals a secret, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence.

Interlinear (Strong’s)

בָּז\־

H0936

boz-

H:V

to despise

לְ/רֵעֵ֥/הוּ

H7453

le./re.'E./hu

H:N-M

neighbor

חֲסַר\־

H2638

cha.sar-

H:A

lacking

לֵ֑ב

H3820A

Lev

H:N-M

heart

וְ/אִ֖ישׁ

H0376G

ve./'Ish

H:N-M

man

תְּבוּנ֣וֹת

H8394

te.vu.Not

H:N-M

understanding

יַחֲרִֽישׁ\׃

H2790B

ya.cha.Rish

H:V

be quiet

Proverbs 12:18

BSB

KJV

WEB

BSB KJV WEB

BSB

Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

KJV

There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.

WEB

There is one who speaks rashly like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise heals.

From Proverbs, in the collection that the book calls the proverbs of Solomon.

Context (BSB)

Proverbs 12:17

He who speaks the truth declares what is right, but a false witness speaks deceit.

Proverbs 12:19

Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

Interlinear (Strong’s)

יֵ֣שׁ

H3426

yesh

H:A

there

בּ֭וֹטֶה

H0981

Bo.teh

H:V

to speak rashly

כְּ/מַדְקְר֣וֹת

H4094

ke./mad.ke.Rot

H:N-F

thrust

חָ֑רֶב

H2719

Cha.rev

H:N-F

sword

וּ/לְשׁ֖וֹן

H3956G

u./le.Shon

H:N

tongue

חֲכָמִ֣ים

H2450

cha.kha.Mim

H:A

wise

מַרְפֵּֽא\׃

H4832

mar.Pe'

H:N-M

healing

Proverbs 15:1

BSB

KJV

WEB

BSB KJV WEB

BSB

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

KJV

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

WEB

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

From Proverbs, in the collection that the book calls the proverbs of Solomon.

Context (BSB)

Proverbs 14:35

A king delights in a wise servant, but his anger falls on the shameful.

Proverbs 15:2

The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly.

Interlinear (Strong’s)

מַֽעֲנֶה\־

H4617

ma.'a.neh-

H:N-M

answer

רַּ֭ךְ

H7390

rakh

H:A

tender

יָשִׁ֣יב

H7725I

ya.Shiv

H:V

to return: turn back

חֵמָ֑ה

H2534

che.Mah

H:N-F

rage

וּ/דְבַר\־

H1697G

u./de.var-

H:N-M

word

עֶ֝֗צֶב

H6089A

'E.tzev

H:N-M

toil

יַעֲלֶה\־

H5927H

ya.'a.leh-

H:V

to ascend: establish

אָֽף\׃

H0639G

'Af

H:N-M

face: anger

Proverbs 18:21

BSB

KJV

WEB

BSB KJV WEB

BSB

Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

KJV

Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

WEB

Death and life are in the power of the tongue; those who love it will eat its fruit.

From Proverbs, in the collection that the book calls the proverbs of Solomon.

Context (BSB)

Proverbs 18:20

From the fruit of his mouth a man’s belly is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied.

Proverbs 18:22

He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.

Interlinear (Strong’s)

מָ֣וֶת

H4194

Ma.vet

H:N-M

death

וְ֭/חַיִּים

H2416E

Ve./chai.yim

H:N-M

life

בְּ/יַד\־

H3027H

be./yad-

H:N-F

hand: power

לָשׁ֑וֹן

H3956G

la.Shon

H:N

tongue

וְ֝/אֹהֲבֶ֗י/הָ

H0157G

ve./'o.ha.Vei./ha

H:V

to love: lover

יֹאכַ֥ל

H0398

yo.Khal

H:V

to eat

פִּרְיָֽ/הּ\׃

H6529

pir.Ya/h

H:N-M

fruit

Fools and the witless, in Proverbs, Job and the Psalms

Proverbs 17:28

BSB

KJV

WEB

BSB KJV WEB

BSB

Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when he holds his tongue.

KJV

Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

WEB

Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is counted wise. When he shuts his lips, he is thought to be discerning.

From Proverbs, in the collection that the book calls the proverbs of Solomon.

Context (BSB)

Proverbs 17:27

A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit.

Proverbs 18:1

He who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound judgment.

Interlinear (Strong’s)

גַּ֤ם

H1571

gam

H:Conj

also

אֱוִ֣יל

H0191

'e.Vil

H:A-M

fool(ish)

מַ֭חֲרִישׁ

H2790B

Ma.cha.rish

H:V

be quiet

חָכָ֣ם

H2450

cha.Kham

H:A

wise

יֵחָשֵׁ֑ב

H2803J

ye.cha.Shev

H:V

to devise: think

אֹטֵ֖ם

H0331

'o.Tem

H:V

to shutter

שְׂפָתָ֣י/ו

H8193G

se.fa.Ta/v

H:N-F

lips

נָבֽוֹן\׃

H0995

na.Von

H:V

to understand

Job 11:12

BSB

KJV

WEB

BSB KJV WEB

BSB

But a witless man can no more become wise than the colt of a wild donkey can be born a man!

KJV

For vain man would be wise, though man be born like a wild ass’s colt.

WEB

An empty-headed man becomes wise when a man is born as a wild donkey’s colt.

From the book of Job; Zophar the Naamathite is speaking to Job.

Context (BSB)

Job 11:11

Surely He knows the deceit of men. If He sees iniquity, does He not take note?

Job 11:13

As for you, if you direct your heart and lift up your hands to Him,

Interlinear (Strong’s)

וְ/אִ֣ישׁ

H0376G

ve./'Ish

H:N-M

man

נָ֭בוּב

H5014

Na.vuv

H:V

be hollow

יִלָּבֵ֑ב

H3823A

yi.la.Vev

H:V

to encourage

וְ/עַ֥יִר

H5895

ve./'A.yir

H:N-M

colt

פֶּ֝֗רֶא

H6501

Pe.re'

H:N-M

wild donkey

אָדָ֥ם

H0120G

'a.Dam

H:N-M

man

יִוָּלֵֽד\׃

H3205

yi.va.Led

H:V

to beget

Psalm 14:1–2

BSB

KJV

WEB

BSB KJV WEB

BSB

1For the choirmaster. Of David. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt; their acts are vile. There is no one who does good. 2The LORD looks down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if any understand, if any seek God.

KJV

1To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. 2The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.

WEB

1For the Chief Musician. By David. The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt. They have done abominable deeds. There is no one who does good. 2The LORD looked down from heaven on the children of men, to see if there were any who understood, who sought after God.

From a psalm whose heading attributes it to David; the heading is part of verse 1, and this entry joins verses 1 and 2.

Context (BSB)

Psalm 13:6

I will sing to the LORD, for He has been good to me.

Psalm 14:3

All have turned away, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.

Interlinear (Strong’s)

Psalm 14:1

אָ֘מַ֤ר

H0559

'a.Mar

H:V

to say

נָבָ֣ל

H5036

na.Val

H:A

foolish

בְּ֭/לִבּ/וֹ

H3820A

be./li.b/o

H:N-M

heart

אֵ֣ין

H0369

'ein

H:Neg

nothing

אֱלֹהִ֑ים

H0430G

'E.lo.Him

H:N-M

God

הִֽשְׁחִ֗יתוּ

H7843

hish.Chi.tu

H:V

to ruin

הִֽתְעִ֥יבוּ

H8581

hit.'I.vu

H:V

to abhor

עֲלִילָ֗ה

H5949

'a.li.Lah

H:N-F

wantonness

אֵ֣ין

H0369

'ein

H:Neg

nothing

עֹֽשֵׂה\־

H6213A

'o.seh-

H:V

to make: do

טֽוֹב\׃

H2896B

Tov

H:N-M

good

Psalm 14:2

יְֽהוָ֗ה

H3068G

Yah.weh

N:N--T

LORD

מִ/שָּׁמַיִם֮

H8064

mi./sha.ma.Yim

H:N-M

heaven

הִשְׁקִ֪יף

H8259

hish.Kif

H:V

to look

עַֽל\־

H5921A

'al-

H:Prep

upon

בְּנֵי\־

H1121A

be.nei-

H:N-M

son: child

אָ֫דָ֥ם

H0120G

'a.Dam

H:N-M

man

לִ֭/רְאוֹת

H7200G

Li/r.'ot

H:V

to see: see

הֲ/יֵ֣שׁ

H3426

ha./Yesh

H:A

there

מַשְׂכִּ֑יל

H7919A

mas.Kil

H:V

be prudent

דֹּ֝רֵשׁ

H1875

Do.resh

H:V

to seek

אֶת\־

H0853

'et-

H:Part

[Obj.]

אֱלֹהִֽים\׃

H0430G

'E.lo.Him

H:N-M

God

Proverbs 29:11

BSB

KJV

WEB

BSB KJV WEB

BSB

A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back.

KJV

A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.

WEB

A fool vents all of his anger, but a wise man brings himself under control.

From Proverbs, in a collection that the book says was copied by the men of Hezekiah.

Context (BSB)

Proverbs 29:10

Men of bloodshed hate a blameless man, but the upright care for his life.

Proverbs 29:12

If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be wicked.

Interlinear (Strong’s)

כָּל\־

H3605

kol-

H:N-M

all

ר֭וּח/וֹ

H7307J

ru.ch/o

H:N-F

spirit: temper

יוֹצִ֣יא

H3318O

yo.Tzi'

H:V

to come out: speak

כְסִ֑יל

H3684

khe.Sil

H:N-M

fool

וְ֝/חָכָ֗ם

H2450

ve./cha.Kham

H:A

wise

בְּ/אָח֥וֹר

H0268

be./'a.Chor

H:N-M

back

יְשַׁבְּחֶֽ/נָּה\׃

H7623A

ye.shab.be.Che./nah

H:V

to soothe

Blessing and cursing, bridling the tongue, and slander, in James

James 3:9–10

BSB

KJV

WEB

BSB KJV WEB

BSB

9With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be!

KJV

9Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. 10Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

WEB

9With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men who are made in the image of God. 10Out of the same mouth comes blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.

From a letter that names its writer as James and its readers as the twelve tribes of the Dispersion, in a passage about the tongue that opens with a warning to those who would become teachers; this entry joins verses 9 and 10.

Context (BSB)

James 3:8

but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

James 3:11

Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?

Interlinear (Strong’s)

James 3:9

ἐν

G1722

G:PREP

in/on/among

αὐτῇ

G0846

autēa

G:P

it/s/he

εὐλογοῦμεν

G2127

eulogoumen

G:V

to praise/bless

τὸν

G3588

ton

G:T

the/this/who

κύριον

G2962G

kurion

G:N-M

lord: God

καὶ

G2532

kai

G:CONJ

and

πατέρα

G3962

patera

G:N-M

father

καὶ

G2532

kai

G:CONJ

and

ἐν

G1722

G:PREP

in/on/among

αὐτῇ

G0846

autēa

G:P

it/s/he

καταρώμεθα

G2672

katarōmetha

G:V

to curse

τοὺς

G3588

tous

G:T

the/this/who

ἀνθρώπους

G0444

anthrōpous

G:N-M

a human

τοὺς

G3588

tous

G:T

the/this/who

καθ᾽

G2596

kath᾽

G:PREP

according to

ὁμοίωσιν

G3669

homoiōsin

G:N-F

likeness

θεοῦ

G2316

theou

G:N-M/F

God

γεγονότας·

G1096

gegonotas

G:V

to be

James 3:10

ἐκ

G1537

G:PREP

out from

τοῦ

G3588

tou

G:T

the/this/who

αὐτοῦ

G0846

autou

G:P

it/s/he

στόματος

G4750

stomatos

G:N-N

mouth

ἐξέρχεται

G1831

exerchetai

G:V

to go out

εὐλογία

G2129

eulogia

G:N-F

praise

καὶ

G2532

kai

G:CONJ

and

κατάρα.

G2671

katara

G:N-F

curse

οὐ

G3756

G:PRT-N

χρή,

G5534

chrē

G:V

to ought/need

ἀδελφοί

G0080

adelphoi

G:N-M

brother

μου,

G3165

mou

G:P-1

ταῦτα

G3778

tauta

G:D

this/he/she/it

οὕτως

G3779

houtōs

G:ADV

thus(-ly)

γίνεσθαι.

G1096

ginesthai

G:V

to be

James 1:26

BSB

KJV

WEB

BSB KJV WEB

BSB

If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.

KJV

If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.

WEB

If anyone among you thinks himself to be religious while he doesn’t bridle his tongue, but deceives his heart, this man’s religion is worthless.

From a letter that names its writer as James and its readers as the twelve tribes of the Dispersion, in its first chapter.

Context (BSB)

James 1:25

But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom, and continues to do so—not being a forgetful hearer, but an effective doer—he will be blessed in what he does.

James 1:27

Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Interlinear (Strong’s)

Εἴ

G1487G

G:COND

τις

G5100

tis

G:X

one

δοκεῖ

G1380

dokei

G:V

to think

θρησκὸς

G2357

thrēskos

G:A

religious

εἶναι

G1511

einai

G:V

to exist

ἐν

G1722

G:PREP

in/on/among

ὑμῖν

G4771

humin

G:P-2

you

μὴ

G3361

mē

G:PRT-N

not

χαλιναγωγῶν

G5468

chalinagōgōn

G:V

to bridle

γλῶσσαν

G1100

glōssan

G:N-F

tongue

αὐτοῦ

G0846

autou

G:P

it/s/he

ἀλλ᾽

G0235

all᾽

G:CONJ

but

ἀπατῶν

G0538

apatōn

G:V

to trick

καρδίαν

G2588

kardian

G:N-F

heart

αὐτοῦ,

G0846

autou

G:P

it/s/he

τούτου

G3778

toutou

G:D

this/he/she/it

μάταιος

G3152

mataios

G:A / G:ADV

futile

ἡ

G3588

hē

G:T

the/this/who

θρησκεία.

G2356

thrēskeia

G:N-F

religion

James 4:11

BSB

KJV

WEB

BSB KJV WEB

BSB

Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. And if you judge the law, you are not a practitioner of the law, but a judge of it.

KJV

Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.

WEB

Don’t speak against one another, brothers. He who speaks against a brother and judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge.

From a letter that names its writer as James and its readers as the twelve tribes of the Dispersion, in a passage that opens by asking what causes conflicts and quarrels among its readers.

Context (BSB)

James 4:10

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.

James 4:12

There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?

Interlinear (Strong’s)

Μὴ

G3361

Mē

G:PRT-N

not

καταλαλεῖτε

G2635

katalaleite

G:V

to slander

ἀλλήλων,

G0240

allēlōn

G:C-

one another

ἀδελφοί·

G0080

adelphoi

G:N-M

brother

ὁ

G3588

G:T

the/this/who

καταλαλῶν

G2635

katalalōn

G:V

to slander

ἀδελφοῦ

G0080

adelphou

G:N-M

brother

ἢ

G2228

G:CONJ

κρίνων

G2919

krinōn

G:V

to judge

τὸν

G3588

ton

G:T

the/this/who

ἀδελφὸν

G0080

adelphon

G:N-M

brother

αὐτοῦ

G0846

autou

G:P

it/s/he

καταλαλεῖ

G2635

katalalei

G:V

to slander

νόμου

G3551

nomou

G:N-M

law

καὶ

G2532

kai

G:CONJ

and

κρίνει

G2919

krinei

G:V

to judge

νόμον·

G3551

nomon

G:N-M

law

εἰ

G1487G

G:COND

δὲ

G1161

G:CONJ

then

νόμον

G3551

nomon

G:N-M

law

κρίνεις,

G2919

krineis

G:V

to judge

οὐκ

G3756

ouk

G:PRT-N

εἶ

G1510

G:V

to be

ποιητὴς

G4163

poiētēs

G:N-M

doer

νόμου

G3551

nomou

G:N-M

law

ἀλλὰ

G0235

alla

G:CONJ

but

κριτής.

G2923

kritēs

G:N-M

judge

Putting aside malice and slander, in the letters

Ephesians 4:29

BSB

KJV

WEB

BSB KJV WEB

BSB

Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.

KJV

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

WEB

Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but only what is good for building others up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear.

From a letter in the name of Paul to the saints in Ephesus, in a passage about the old self and the new.

Context (BSB)

Ephesians 4:28

He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need.

Ephesians 4:30

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Interlinear (Strong’s)

Πᾶς

G3956

Pas

G:A

all

λόγος

G3056

logos

G:N-M

word

σαπρὸς

G4550

sapros

G:A

rotten

ἐκ

G1537

G:PREP

out from

τοῦ

G3588

tou

G:T

the/this/who

στόματος

G4750

stomatos

G:N-N

mouth

ὑμῶν

G4771

humōn

G:P-2

you

μὴ

G3361

mē

G:PRT-N

not

ἐκπορευέσθω

G1607

ekporeuesthō

G:V

to depart

ἀλλ᾽

G0235

all᾽

G:CONJ

but

εἴ

G1487G

G:COND

τις

G5100

tis

G:X

one

ἀγαθὸς

G0018

agathos

G:A / G:ADV

good

πρὸς

G4314

pros

G:PREP

to/with

οἰκοδομὴν

G3619

oikodomēn

G:N-F

building

τῆς

G3588

tēs

G:T

the/this/who

χρείας,

G5532

chreias

G:N-F

need

ἵνα

G2443

ina

G:CONJ

in order that/to

δῷ

G1325

dō

G:V

to give

χάριν

G5485

charin

G:N-F

grace

τοῖς

G3588

tois

G:T

the/this/who

ἀκούουσιν.

G0191

akouousin

G:V

to hear

Colossians 3:8

BSB

KJV

WEB

BSB KJV WEB

BSB

But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.

KJV

But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.

WEB

but now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and shameful speaking out of your mouth.

From a letter in the names of Paul and Timothy to the believers in Colossae, in a passage about the old self and the new.

Context (BSB)

Colossians 3:7

When you lived among them, you also used to walk in these ways.

Colossians 3:9

Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices,

Interlinear (Strong’s)

Νυνὶ

G3570

Nuni

G:ADV

now

δὲ

G1161

G:CONJ

then

ἀπόθεσθε

G0659

apothesthe

G:V

to put aside

καὶ

G2532

kai

G:CONJ

and

ὑμεῖς

G4771

humeis

G:P-2

you

τὰ

G3588

G:T

the/this/who

πάντα,

G3956

panta

G:A

all

ὀργήν,

G3709

orgēn

G:N-F

wrath

θυμόν,

G2372

thumon

G:N-M

wrath

κακίαν,

G2549

kakian

G:N-F

evil

βλασφημίαν,

G0988

blasphēmian

G:N-F

blasphemy

αἰσχρολογίαν

G0148

aischrologian

G:N-F

obscenity

ἐκ

G1537

G:PREP

out from

τοῦ

G3588

tou

G:T

the/this/who

στόματος

G4750

stomatos

G:N-N

mouth

ὑμῶν.¶

G4771

humōn

G:P-2

you

Titus 3:2

BSB

KJV

WEB

BSB KJV WEB

BSB

to malign no one, and to be peaceable and gentle, showing full consideration to everyone.

KJV

To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.

WEB

to speak evil of no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all humility toward all men.

From a letter written in the name of Paul to Titus; the verse continues a list of what Titus is to remind the believers of.

Context (BSB)

Titus 3:1

Remind the believers to submit to rulers and authorities, to be obedient and ready for every good work,

Titus 3:3

For at one time we too were foolish, disobedient, misled, and enslaved to all sorts of desires and pleasures—living in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.

Interlinear (Strong’s)

μηδένα

G3367

mēdena

G:A

nothing

βλασφημεῖν,

G0987

blasphēmein

G:V

to blaspheme

ἀμάχους

G0269

amachous

G:A

peacable

εἶναι,

G1511

einai

G:V

to exist

ἐπιεικεῖς,

G1933

epieikeis

G:A

gentle

πᾶσαν

G3956

pasan

G:A

all

ἐνδεικνυμένους

G1731

endeiknumenous

G:V

to show

πραΰτητα

G4236

prautēta

G:N-F

gentleness

πρὸς

G4314

pros

G:PREP

to/with

πάντας

G3956

pantas

G:A

all

ἀνθρώπους.

G0444

anthrōpous

G:N-M

a human

1 Peter 2:1

BSB

KJV

WEB

BSB KJV WEB

BSB

Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander.

KJV

Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,

WEB

Putting away therefore all wickedness, all deceit, hypocrisies, envies, and all evil speaking,

From a letter that names its writer as Peter, to believers living as exiles in several provinces.

Context (BSB)

1 Peter 1:25

but the word of the Lord stands forever.” And this is the word that was proclaimed to you.

1 Peter 2:2

Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,

Interlinear (Strong’s)

Ἀποθέμενοι

G0659

Apothemenoi

G:V

to put aside

οὖν

G3767

oun

G:CONJ

therefore/then

πᾶσαν

G3956

pasan

G:A

all

κακίαν

G2549

kakian

G:N-F

evil

καὶ

G2532

kai

G:CONJ

and

πάντα

G3956

panta

G:A

all

δόλον

G1388

dolon

G:N-M

deceit

καὶ

G2532

kai

G:CONJ

and

ὑποκρίσεις

G5272

hupokriseis

G:N-F

hypocrisy

καὶ

G2532

kai

G:CONJ

and

φθόνους

G5355

phthonous

G:N-M

envy

καὶ

G2532

kai

G:CONJ

and

πάσας

G3956

pasas

G:A

all

καταλαλιάς,

G2636

katalalias

G:N-F

slander

Verses to pray, send and memorize

A verse to pray
Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.
Ephesians 4:29
BSB
A verse to send to someone
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:1
BSB
Share
Translation
BSB KJV WEB
Text to copyA gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. — Proverbs 15:1 (BSB) https://justtheverses.com/topics/calling-someone-an-idiot/#proverbs-15-1

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A short verse to memorize
Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Proverbs 18:21
BSB

18 verses, from 9 books:

Job (1)
Psalm (1)
Proverbs (6)
Matthew (3)
Ephesians (1)
Colossians (1)
Titus (1)
James (3)
1 Peter (1)

18 Bible Verses About Calling Someone an Idiot

Overview

Jesus on anger, insults and what comes out of the mouth

Matthew 5:22

Matthew 5:21–22

Matthew 15:18

Contempt, rash words, a gentle answer and the power of the tongue

Proverbs 11:12

Proverbs 12:18

Proverbs 15:1

Proverbs 18:21

Fools and the witless, in Proverbs, Job and the Psalms

Proverbs 17:28

Job 11:12

Psalm 14:1–2

Proverbs 29:11

Blessing and cursing, bridling the tongue, and slander, in James

James 3:9–10

James 1:26

James 4:11

Putting aside malice and slander, in the letters

Ephesians 4:29

Colossians 3:8

Titus 3:2

1 Peter 2:1

Verses to pray, send and memorize

Related topics